emergencies
At least 84 injured in irritant gas leak in secondary school
Children in particular were injured in the alleged irritant gas accident (symbol image). photo
© Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa
Tear gas leaks out in a school during class. The building must be evacuated. Dozens of children and a teacher are injured.
Around 90 people – mainly children – were injured in a suspected irritant gas accident at a secondary school in Singen near Konstanz. They suffered mild to moderate discomfort, police said in the evening.
Three children and a teacher complained of severe breathing difficulties and had to be hospitalized. A spokeswoman previously said that 80 slightly injured children could be given first aid in a hall. According to initial findings, investigators assume an accident.
It was initially unclear where the gas came from. During the fourth lesson, several students suddenly complained of respiratory problems. The teachers then began evacuating the building and called 911. The emergency services supported the teachers and cordoned off the area around the building. Around 600 students were in the building at the time. The school has been cleared. Symptom-free students were taken to a church, where they were picked up by their parents.
The fire brigade carried out measurements throughout the school building. The police are now investigating. According to the school management, the lessons should take place regularly on Thursday, as a spokesman for the city of Singen announced.